Car Hand brake- Car Repair MYTHS ? Hand Brake (Parking Brakes) Customers always want it Checking?

27th February 2023/in Brake Servicing Halifax/by Eric Roberts

Car Hand brake

Things that motorists still ask for when having a car repair.(Car Hand brake)

Consequently, this is an article about some of the things that motorists ask for or ask us to check. Hence, when they leave their car with us for servicing. I have to admit that most of these guys are male. Thus, from the older generation of motorists.Naturally, who remember some of the problems that they used to encounter in the past. Of course, on some of the older model cars that were driven then.

Therefore,one of the most asked questions is “Can you just adjust my Car Hand brake”. This comes from the days when I was a young mechanic. So all you had to do to adjust the hand brake on most regular cars. Was to take out a split pin, and turn a screw thread. Of course, to either lengthen or shorten the hand brake cables.Thus giving you more leverage from the handbrake in the brake shoes.

When the handbrakes finally snapped with rust or age. Then, all you had to do was replace it with a new cable,”simple”. This type of hand brake system was always failing. Especially, when you pulled on the hand brake.So, the cable would snap. This, was responsible for many an accident.With cars parked on hills running away. However, this is the type of Car Hand brake that some motorists think their car is fitted with. Thus,thinking that it is only a ten minute job to adjust (at probably no cost to him ).

(Parking Brake)

As the modern car progressed. So it was clear that better braking systems had to developed. As a result, cars were getting faster, then they had to stop more efficiently and quickly. This brings us up to date. Consequently, with more and more car manufacturers using discs on all four corners of their cars. Not fitting the drums system at the rear. (Some newer cars still have drums at the rear, but more are favouring four wheel disc systems, for greater braking efficiency). Modern cars also have a separate handbrakes system. Including, their own drums system. Thus, working in conjunction with the rear discs. of course, which are virtually a separate system from the main brakes. Many cars are now fitted with duel cables. So, that are better protected from the outside elements (corrosion) .Most Car Hand brake on modern cars are much more complicated to service. Of course, now are one and two hour jobs to complete. Some smaller cars have still got rear drums. A Car Hand brake that works by connecting to the Rear Brake Shoes. Requiring freeing off from time to time. Also and lubricating as part of a regular service. But I am afraid that the cables still seize up and have to be come to us for a Car Hand brake Cable Replacement from time to time especially as the car gets older.

brake is now a different animal?

In the more up to date modern car with disc brakes all round there is an additional lever and cork screw mechanism that is added to the calipers piston. When the driver pulls the hand brake on in the car, the lever forces the cork screw against the same piston that activates the foot pedal system.

This system also has problems with seizing parts and will take more than ten minutes to free off and lubricate for further use. There are other systems such as used by Volvo, that incorporate a separate drum with its own Ferodo Brake Shoes that is connected to the rear discs, this can also be a long job to service correctly.

To summarise the “can you just adjust my Car Hand brake” days are over, we as a garage need to take more time to repair and adjust the modern car hand brake system and indeed what we do is to offer a separate service just to do the cars braking system justice and to offer a first class brake service.

Check Your Levels-Top 5 simple maintenance tips everyone should know-

26th February 2023/in All Unipart Service Centres Stuff/by Eric Roberts

Check Your Levels

Look after your car Check Your Levels in this Easter hot weather

This is very good and important advice to every motorist. So, to get your car through this Easter hot weather! Without causing any damage to the engine, brakes or indeed anything else.

Make sure you Check Your Levels. Including, water levels, your engine oil (Make sure that you top it up using the correct grade). If you are not sure do ! do not just use any old engine oil. Ask your local service centre to sell you the correct grade of oil for your car.

Consequently, you will most probably have Synthetic Engine Oil in your car. But if you are not so sure what to use then refer to your Engine Oil Guide. We have computer software. So, that tell you the grades for all the cars and will advise you accordingly.

Watch out for the traditional traffic hot-spots, such as the roads to the coast and set off early if you must travel in the heat, it will not do your car any good held up in slow traffic for hours on end and the kids and the dog in the back wont thank you for it neither, try and go for a quieter route and avoid all the traffic.

Make sure that your Air-Con is working and do not be tempted to lower your windows the temperature in the UK is expected to be in the 30s C this weekend, so the air coming into the car will be very hot and uncomfortable, keep the windows closed and let the Air-Con cool you down.

Make sure that you check your tyres as well as Check Your Levels before setting off.

Your tyres are made by a heat process and the hotter the air and the roads, the more likely that a tyre could blow out , we have all seen the large strips of tyre tread on the side of a motorway,(mainly from lorries) but this can happen to cheap car tyres that have been badly repaired as in some part worn tyres, so do not get caught out and buy good quality new tyres, this is a good investment in safety for your family!

Believe me this will happen, we get many customers that will turn up to my depot on a Monday morning with a blown out tyre, that could have been prevented before hand. The biggest cause is that the tyres were run under pressure, or under inflated . This only makes things worse when the weather is going to hot, so please check your tyres and your tyre pressure, and please

remember that cheap new car tyres are far better than part worn tyres, you just do not know where part worn tyres have been before you bought them.

Keeping Your car in the Best Condition Possible; A Guide

25th February 2023/0 Comments/in All Car Servicing/by Eric Roberts

Keeping Your Car In The Best Condition Possible: A Guide

When you have got your hands on a car that you are truly happy with, you are going to want to
make sure that you are taking the best possible care of it. There are a lot of people out there who do
not realise just how important this is. Keeping your car in good condition is not just about making
sure that you take it in for a wash ever month or so, or that you try not to forget about taking it for

its MOT.

It’s about making sure that it continues to offer you the best possible performance, and that you
stop its value from depreciating. With each passing year, and perhaps more importantly, with each
passing mile, you are putting your car through a lot of wear and tear, especially if you are driving at
events. But with the right maintenance, you can keep the impact of those road surfaces, adverse
weather conditions, and the simple act of driving itself, to a minimum. Here is a guide to how you
can keep your car in the best condition possible.

Watch How You Drive

Let’s start by talking about something that many people don’t think about when they think about car
maintenance. The way that you drive has a huge impact on the condition of your vehicle. Driving as
smoothly as possible, without any sudden pressure on the brakes or accelerator, should help to
reduce the standard wear and tear. However, it is also important to ensure that you are revving your
engine often enough to keep anything from being clogged up. Regular use is the key here, which can
sometimes be tricky if you are looking after a modified car that you drive at special events. Find a
way to take it out when you can.

Keep It Clean

This one is arguably the simplest of the points we are going to cover but it is certainly one of the
most important. If you leave your car dirty after a drive, the dirt and debris may start to stick and
cause corrosion. It is also important to give your car a clean if you have been driving on icy roads, or
recently iced roads, as the chemicals that are used to keep the roads drivable can do a number on
your paintwork. It may seem like a superficial job, but it plays a massive part in keeping everything in
good condition.

Get Your Battery Checked

You should be checking that everything is working properly with your battery on a regular basis. If
you have had the same car for three years or more, then it is particularly important to take it into a
mechanic if you notice anything unusual, but it is always better to be on the safe side. Remember
that your battery can run down even when you are not using your car. In fact, this is often how
Batteries end up dead, and replacement batteries can cost a huge amount. So, even if you don’t do a
lot of driving, try to take your car out for a spin on a semi-regular basis. There are battery charging
packs called trickle chargers that you can buy if you know that you are not going to be driving for a
few months.

Find Insurance That Works For You

One of the best ways that you can make sure that your car stays in good condition is by finding
quality insurance coverage. There are always going to be things that you can’t plan for. Sometimes
freak accidents just happen, and other drivers on the road may not be as careful as you are when it
comes to watching where they are going. Repairing a damaged car can be costly, particularly if you
are driving a modified or high-performance car. If you want to have the peace of mind that your
vehicle is going to be in safe hands no matter what happens, then why not look for modified car
insurance that will cover you. Reis can arrange coverage for road cars that have been modified and
they have experience in helping drivers who attend rain or shine shows, exhibitions, or specialist

shows, and you can find out more here. They have a range of different options to help you find the
perfect policy for you.

Don’t Forget The Oil Levels

Checking your oil levels is one of the most essential parts of keeping your car in good condition.
Engine oil keeps everything lubricated and running smoothly, and if you are driving without the right
levels, then you will start to damage your car quickly. The good news is that checking your engine oil
levels is fairly simple to accomplish on your own. Just make sure that your car is on a flat surface and that the
engine is cool, then pop the bonnet up and use the dipstick to check the level. However, it is also a
good idea to get your oil checked professionally on a regular basis. It’s not just about making sure
that you have enough oil in there, you also need to see if it needs to be changed. Which brings us to
our next point.

Find A Garage That You Trust And Visit Regularly

A lot of people treat taking their car into the garage to be checked over by a qualified mechanic as a
chore. However, if your car is important to you, it’s just as important to do this as it is for you to go
to the doctor or the dentist on a regular basis. To start with, never put off going for your MOT. It is
required by law, and you could be facing a thousand pound fine if they find that you are driving on
an expired one. You can look at minor services that will look at your car’s fluid and oil levels and any
leaks, the tyres, exhaust, brakes, gearbox, and steering wheel. They will also cover everything from
the suspension to your car horn. Major services tend to cover things like replacements and will cost
more. If you can identify any potential problems before getting to that point, then you’ll be much
better off.

Local Auto Centre-“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” – Waterloo Record

25th February 2023/in All Car Repair Articles, All Car Servicing/by Eric Roberts

Local Auto Centre

Your Local Auto Centre will advise on timing belt change times

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure Waterloo Record Some of the most important maintenance services to have regularly performed at Local Auto Centre on your car include tyre rotation, four wheel alignment, transmission service, differential service,…

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Car servicing

So. this is a great saying ! and of course it is correct”an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Of course the moral of the story is all about having your car serviced at your Local Auto Centre. So, and by doing so you are taking a preventative measure finding future faults and possible failures. Importantly, things like rotating your tyres, wheel alignment, checking brakes and steering before a more major fault appears, all these things will be checked out at your local service centre.

Of course, you should also be advised. Especially, about the time that you should have your timing belt changed. Hence, this is very important . Because it could mean a massive bill . Of course, for a new engine fitting . Thus, should you fail to change your timing belt . Especially, at the correct time. Please make sure that you have a regular service carried out on your car at a Local Auto Centre, here in the UK I recommend that you go online to find a Local Car Care Centre in your local town or look out for tyre prices online.

Back after Corvid 19

So, like many other auto centres then we are back to full strength. We have suffered the same millions of other small businesses. However we are pleased to say that our service and tyre business is picking back up nicely.

I would like to thank all our loyal customers for their support both now and in the future.

So here at Pellon we have a great tyre price portal called www.pellontyres.co.uk.

See on www.therecord.com

Car Oils More Important-Get the Right Oil for Your CAR.?

23rd February 2023/in All Car Servicing/by Eric Roberts

Car Oils More Important

Many different types of Car Oils for the modern car

So engine technology has changed in a big way in recent years. This new trend began with increasing price of fuel at the garage forecourt. Importantly, started by the car manufacturers to try new methods of increasing the miles per gallon. Of course, one of the ways was to lower the viscosity of the Car Oils they used in their engines. So, one of the first of the new Car Oils grades was 5W-30. Improved, Car Oils reduced the friction levels on the moving parts of the engines.

Also in recent years engines have had to be modified to reach much higher emission standards, by the car manufactures , making engines much more sophisticated and a need for much more finer quality Car Oils to be used, modern cars are now fitted with much more complicated exhaust and after treatment units, requiring special low SAPS oil, which is needed to protect these units.

These new Car Oils also help with extended service intervals for cars. Special “long life oils” have been developed to help increase the length between car service intervals, thus reducing the amount of waste .

All these changes have led to the growth of the number of oil based products on the market to enable the independent Auto centre to service all the different engines out there in the market place. Many garages now have to check each vehicle to see which Car Oils to use when Servicing a Car, and indeed have to keep as many as seven different grades of oil to cope with the diverse number of grades required. The garages can not now rely on keeping a basic viscosity alone

What if you fill your car engine with the wrong oil?

As I was saying earlier in my article it is important that the motorist checks his manual to what the correct type of liquid gold that his car engine takes, the same applies if you are a garage or a regular guy who changes his own oil and filter.

Car servicing is now becoming a specialist job now and although the service intervals are becoming further apart, the service itself has become more complex. The main driver of this being the drive by car makers to make cars with less emissions, this includes the drive by tyre manufacturers for tyres with a better rolling resistance and compounds using silica, the results of all this have become staggering, changing the face of motoring over the past decade.

Incidentally according to “Warranty Direct” the cost of the average job to rectify an engine that has had the wrong oil put in, is £2000.00, so you might consider taking your car to your local service centre near you, if you dont know where your nearest one is, look for your local MOT testing station.

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. Also sell tyres online from our website www.pellontyres.co.uk . Easily,by using the tyre selector and choosing your tyre size. So, we also offer courtesy cars to local customers . Naturally, who need to go to work and leave their car with us for work doing. Finally, we are also an official MOT testing station.

Use OEM Spec Oils-Millers Oils dispels myths: OEMs, specs, approvals, warranties and Block Exemption

23rd February 2023/0 Comments/in All Car Servicing/by Eric Roberts

Use OEM Spec Oils

So with loads of cheap oil offers floating about our garages then it is make sure that the oil has the OEM specifications. of course most of us garage owners are familiar with the consequences of this. Most of the rules and laws that govern the way we service vehicles are set in law by the EU. Although we are no longer a member we are still part of the agreement network until things change in the future.

Car manufacturers are not able to tie their cars to their dealer network for servicing. So, this allows the independent garage network to service models as long as the same standard of oils and service parts were used. Most of the good garages are well aware of this and unfortunately others dont give a damn!

Oil companies such as Millers Oils here in West Yorkshire have to set certain qualities and standards into their oils. Thus allowing them to be used on a car that is under warranty. This means that car manufacturers can not turn a car away for warranty work simply because it was serviced else ware.

Main dealer garages often tell their customers this untrue story. Cars and Vans can be serviced when a new car is still under warranty as long as the parts used are of the same quality as the original equipment parts. Of course including oils such as Millers Oils.

When it comes to oils there are two phrases that are often used: “meets specification” and “OEM approved”. Whilst commonly used, Millers Oils often gets asked what the difference really is and does the difference affect

Source: Millers Oils dispels myths: OEMs, specs, approvals, warranties and Block Exemption

Engine Carbon Clean Service-Pellon Autocentre in Halifax UK can now offer this Engine Cleaning Service

18th February 2023/in All Car Servicing/by Eric Roberts

Engine Carbon Clean Service

All these new procedures have come about by a change in the MOT testing rules from May 2018. So, from May 2018 the smoke test limit for Euro 6 and some Euro 5 diesels will be halved. This also ties up with the number of cars that have been having there DPF’s (Diesel particulate Filters) removed completely. So it will now be an MOT test failure if your vehicle does not have an EGR valve fitted and has had it removed.

Of course this will affect drivers who have bought a second hand car and are unaware of its removal. In a statement obtained by Garage Wire the online care repair specialists, a Department of Transport spokesperson said:

“We are taking strong action to stop the removal of DPFs. “We expect future changes to the MOT emissions test for diesel vehicles, due to come into force by May 2018, to make it easier to detect vehicles with failing or removed DPFs.”

CONTAMINATION AND ITS EFFECTS ON AN ENGINE

Fuel and Oil are an organic matter, when they are burnt or left to naturally degrade they form contamination, this adheres to different components within the engine, namely:

EGR Valve
Lambda Sensor
HVL
VVT System
Injectors
Valves
Piston Crown
Piston Rings

Over the last 20 years, engines have become more complex and the tolerances within the engine have become finer. As a result, it takes just a small amount of contamination to adversely affect engine performance.

Pellon Autocentre invest in a new Carbon Clean machine

Of your vehicle can now fail the emissions part of the MOT Test due to the new stricter smoke test that comes under the Euro 5 and Euro 6 lowered limits. So to keep up to speed we here at Pellon Autocentre have invested in a new machine for cleaning up your vehicles engine. This can be done in conjunction with a regular service or to just get your vehicle through the MOT tests stricter emission rules.

Modern engine design, coupled with a drive to reduce harmful emissions, has led to a significant increase in contamination related issues such as

Blocked DPF’s
Fouled Fuel Injectors
MOT emission failures

The Tec4 Carbon Cleaning Machine, backed up with our unique marketing package, allows you to fix these issues with minimal fuss and promote a preventative maintenance solution.

Some of the text in this post and the video was kindly provided by Tec4.

Drivers Avoid Car Servicing? Why do Car Drivers avoid Servicing their Cars?

15th February 2023/in All Car Servicing/by Eric Roberts

Drivers Avoid Car Servicing

Of course, modern cars are all controlled by computers these days. In fact almost all aspects of manufacturing today’s cars are controlled by computers and this includes the servicing schedules. The servicing details that are written out in your cars hand book. SO, have been designed to give the best possible Smart Car Servicing schedule. Importantly, you should not really vary from that by giving your car extra oil or filter changes.

Drivers neglect their car servicing plan why?

As I have stated earlier today’s cars are better built and more reliable than the cars say ten year ago and before. They have the ability to run for much longer periods that their older counterparts. The only exception to this in my opinion is that we have more problems with the cars electric systems than before. Because modern cars have more of them (car electrics).

The thing that some drivers neglect is to have their cars serviced at the correct periods according to their Servicing a Car manual. We often get cars in for servicing and when we stamp and enter the details into the servicing booklet we find that they have missed out a service completely, and when we sometimes question this they simply come out with some excuse, such as the previous garage forget to fill it in. I do not believe this and it also important to keep a Car Servicing history to keep up the value should the owner ever want to sell the car.

Some car owners ignore the service book completely?

You would be surprised how many drivers do not have a service book or have lost them. Many car owners are guilty of this. As luck would have it. Most good garages have a car service times and repair schedule times computer. We at Pellon Auto-centre here in Halifax use the Auto-Data computer software for all our mechanical work timings and service schedules. This means that we do not get stuck if a customer does not have a service schedule book for their cars.

Another problem in our busy world. So, is that people do not have their car serviced at all ! Consequently, the end result of this is that although the car will perhaps keep on running. Then it will inevitably start breaking down at some stage or another.

In most cases the warning light will come on for the particular problem that may arise.

The common lights to illuminate are the oil warning lights and the brake warning lights. When a car is regularly serviced these parts are checked and any problem will be rectified for example oils will be changed and brakes will be checked and any problems will be rectified, such as replacing worn out brake pads.

When the car is not serviced then these problems will become exaggerated and lead onto to more damaged parts. A car with a low oil level could lead onto a damaged engine or cylinder head. Worn out brake pads will inevitably lead onto damaged brake discs or burned out wheel cylinder’s, once again leading onto a much higher garage charge. So, than they would get if they did not Drivers Avoid Car Servicing.

Some other things that may affect your car

Other things that could go wrong would fluid changes. On a very big service some car manufacturers recommend that the cars fluid should be changed. These are things such as transmission oils, brake fluids. not forgetting, the engine coolant levels and steering fluid levels. Of course,these are all things that are checked or changed while Car Servicing. Importantly, all of which could be critical if neglected and the drivers Avoid Car Servicing.

The one thing that would give you big problems though is as I have stated earlier. Your ENGINE OIL. You should at least give your car an oil and filter change. This is the very least you should but this could stop your engine blowing. Especially, on the way to the airport for your valuable holidays. I do not really recommend it ! But even if you change the oil and filter yourself, then please do it, a car with a blown up engine is not worth anything to anybody.

Garage servicing does other things

Other things that a garage will do for you during Car Servicing. Of course, is things like changes your wheels round. Thus will ensure, a better wear out of your tyres. Also many garages are now in nationwide schemes and only fit the best parts.

Using low quality spare parts for your cars servicing

This is a cost saving that is false economy ! So, will it really save you money. By fitting your own parts from the local corner accessory shop. Inferior parts will wear out quicker. This is most common to see on tyres. Cheap car tyres will wear out in a faster time than a leading make, say such as Michelin tyres, and this has been proven time and again. A little extra money will give you much better value in the long run

So respond to that check engine oil light on the dash

When the check engine oil warning light, or brake warning light goes on. Your car will still be operational. But please do not ignore it and put it off to for another day. So eventually, its then that you spend quite an amount of money. Naturally, on the car and you regret your negligence. When the check engine light, or any other warning light comes on. Urgently, schedule an appointment with your garage and start a new campaign for your car. So, to have regular Car Servicing. Importantly we also check the car owners timing belt change time when we service their cars.

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles.

Traffic Chaos Expected-“Unprecedented summer” expected on UK roads

15th February 2023/0 Comments/in All Car Servicing/by Eric Roberts

Traffic Chaos Expected

So when I read this attached article then it makes good sense to prepare your car for any unexpected traffic hold ups. I can see that there will be many traffic jams and hold ups as the expected figures of traffic volumes come into fruition.

Simply put there will be millions of motorists that are hell bent on a good holiday here in the UK. Hence, as restrictions to the near continent continue to haunt frustrated drivers and their families from travelling abroad. I certainly intend to stay at home this year and see what the situation is next year. However millions are expected to visit the big tourist spots. Whilst, also enjoy the great weather that we are experiencing here in the UK.

In my opinion this is no better time but to have your car serviced or at least check your levels and your air-con system. I can foresee many traffic hold ups. As millions of frustrated motorists and their families head out. In the great August heat wave that we are promised by the weather men.

The amount of breakdowns is expected to sore as cars heading for spots such as the “Lake District”, Scotland and the coastal areas of the UK not forgetting the beautiful Welsh country side . Bottle necks are inevitable so protect your car by having a check out before you set off on your journey.

Dont forget the tyres!

Lastly, but very important is your tyres. The weather is expected to be very hot in August so please have your tyres checked out. So, good tyres with the correct pressure for a loaded car will see you safely home. Many drivers just load up their vehicles with the family and the luggage and not give a second thought about their tyre pressures or indeed the condition of the tyres in general.

Especially when towing a camping trailer or any other type of trailers including caravans. Respectfully though many drivers do have the tyre checked ! Especially, the caravan fraternity.

This attached article gives you some idea of the expected traffic volumes expected. Heading out on our roads this summer school holiday period . Good luck and have a safe journey!

This summer will see unprecedented levels of traffic on UK roads due to drivers planning in excess of an estimated 29m staycations – 16m of these in the school holidays alone – according to a

Source: “Unprecedented summer” expected on UK roads

Mercedes Vito Brakes Job Turns up Horror Shock Absorber

11th February 2023/1 Comment/in Brake Servicing Halifax/by Eric Roberts

Mercedes Vito Brakes

So, I must admit that I am a great fan of the Vito van. Because, a few years ago then I owned a beautiful red Mercedes mini-bus. Fortunately, the vehicle was very reliable. Requiring very little maintenance apart from the normal servicing and the usual tyres and other renewable. As most of my readers now know then my wife and I had eight children. So we needed a large vehicle to transport the family about.

We also did much travelling! Especially, to France, where we spent most of our summer holidays. Unfortunately, the only downside came when we tried to sell the Vito. Positively, it was in great condition. Being a garage owner, then we had the van service at very regular intervals. Brakes were a prime consideration. Because the safety factor when travelling long distances.

So, we advertised the van in all the usual places. Including online web sites. Finally we received an offer from a taxi guy from Chester. The price he offered was below the price that we were asking but we reluctantly let the Vito go.

Same colour Vito in for Brakes

Last week when visiting the garage in Halifax . So, I noticed a red Vito on one of the ramps having some work done. Significantly, the rear wheel were removed and the brake calipers were hanging down. Dale one of my mechanics was working on the van at the time. Asking what was wrong , Dale explained that the van had braking problems and indeed required a full brake rebuild on the rear brakes.

However when removing the rear wheels then Dale discovered an horrific problem ! The rear shock-absorber had completely broke off and was just hanging there! This can be clearly seen in the above image. Unfortunately, the break was from part of the chassis. Serious rotting had taken place in the shocker mounting area. Welding was not an option ! So, to correct this problem then a complete new chassis box section would have to be engineered. Consequently, this is above our remit and would have to be done by a specialist body repair shop.

After contacting the customer we were instructed to carry on with the Mercedes Vito Brakes. As a foot note the customer said that he had never any banging or strange noises at all. I find this hard to believe with a shocker hanging down ?

All Car Servicing